28 October 2015: The potential development of light rail as a transport alternative in the ACT will be discussed by two local experts at a public lecture organised by the University of Canberra this THURSDAY.
Director of Canberra Urban and Regional Futures at the University, Professor Barbara Norman, will be joined by economist and former ACT Treasury official, Dr David Hughes, for the latest chapter of the University's Canberra Conversations public lecture series: 'Light at the end of the tunnel or just blowing smoke? The Case for Canberra's Light Rail'.
Professor Norman will discuss that the cost of doing nothing will be significant as the population of Canberra's north grows, with data showing congestion could end up costing hundreds of millions of dollars in the not too distant future.
"I think it's time for us to hear from the opponents of the light rail just what their alternative plans are, because currently all we have heard is their attacks on this proposal as 'not the answer'.
"We only need to see the effect of one tunnel closure on one of Canberra's main arterial roads this past week to understand that we have far too few options to move about this city. If one road closure, in just one direction, can cause days' worth of headaches then less congestion on our roads must be the answer," she said.
Dr Hughes will offer a contrary viewpoint. Based on the government's own analysis, he will argue that the light rail project is expensive and pointless.
"It will cost at least $90 million a year in payments to a private consortium to build, operate and finance. In return, the government expects the tram will have a small effect on public transport patronage and a 'negligible' effect on traffic congestion," Dr Hughes said.
The Canberra Conversations public lecture series is organised by University of Canberra's Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis Professorial Fellow and former ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.
- Professor Norman is available for interview.
- Interviews can be arranged with Dr Hughes by request.
WHAT: Canberra Conversations: Light at the end of the tunnel or just blowing smoke? The Case for Canberra's Light Rail with Professor Barbara Norman and Dr David Hughes.
WHEN: Thursday 29 October, 12.30pm-1.30pm
WHERE: Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Marcus Butler: 0438 447 810